A parrot shelter in a greenhouse creates unrest in the Dutch town of Erica. The shelter wants to expand, but according to the adjacent cucumber company, the animals are a nuisance. "As a grower, you do everything to keep the product as clean as possible," says Arida van Velzen. “And now this.” The case has been brought before the Council of State.
Mice, birds, aphids, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and bugs
About 600 birds are being housed in a disused greenhouse by the Parrot Care Foundation. In the greenhouse, the animals are dry and protected from the wind. To meet all requirements, the foundation plans to use the entire 6600 m2 greenhouse for the care of parrots. A bad idea, say the growers of adjacent cucumber company Van Velzen. According to them, the animals are a nuisance: since the arrival there have been problems with mice, birds, whitefly aphids, spider mites, thrips and bugs.
The shelter
"Since the shelter has been here, we have had multiple problems with pests. Mice and sparrows are attracted to the parrot food on the floor, bringing with them the enhanced risk of viruses," says Arida van Velzen of the cucumber nursery. A few years ago, the company suffered from a whitefly infestation. “And of course, there is the noise. Have you ever listened to 600 parrots squeaking day in day out?”
aerial view of Warmoesweg 11
Though local government and the shelter itself dispute the claim, Van Velzen sticks to it. "We are a thriving small business. But what if we want to sell the company? Who wants a garden next a parrot rescue? We have nothing against the people, but do object to the location. We have other interests and it simply won’t do.”
The Council of State is expected to come with a ruling in about 6 weeks.
